Best Camping near Hillsboro, IL

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Hillsboro, IL has a lot to offer. Hillsboro is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Hillsboro camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Hillsboro, IL (72)

Showing results 1-10 of 72 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Hillsboro

Recent Reviews in Hillsboro

362 Reviews of 72 Hillsboro Campgrounds


  • Ben T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    Wonderful campground

    Right next to a huge reserve for fishing and boating. Campsites are very spaced out. We had 30 amp electric but no water on the campsite. Wasn't a problem for us we just filled our water tank. Bathrooms and showers were very clean. Look forward to coming back

  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Sep. 29, 2024

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Nice sites on Carlyle Lake- great host

    Our site was on the shore and had good spacing from others. The bathrooms, showers, and laundry all close by. Good hot water in the showers. The host was friendly and helpful. I’d go back again!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East - Mcnair Campground

    Location Great for Travel

    McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Dam East Recreation Area

    GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

    East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
    (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

  • John H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waverly Lake City Park
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Waverly Lake City Park

    Nice little lake and camp ground

    I've stayed here a couple times now. Each time there has only been one other person. It's quiet and peaceful, however there's not much to do. As far as I know there's no running water. There are portable toilets that are kept clean. There's also a 4 consecutive day per month limit.

  • Aaron B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sangchris Lake State Park Campground
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Sangchris Lake State Park Campground

    Lakeside Relaxation

    These walk in sites check all the boxes.  At the western part of the RV loop, is a peninsula of primitive tent camping spots to choose from.  About half the sites were filled by the second day we were there.  We settled on 62, which is spacious and provides access to the path from the front and behind where you can walk into site 64 as well.  A parking area with a single spot for each camp site is well marked and by two vault toilets.  Park staff and host were great.  A decent fishing spot is just in front of site 64.  $8 for IL residents is hard to beat, if you don't need an RV spot with electric.  A water source is also by the parking spots.  The weekend we were there the weather had cooled some and a great breeze was coming off the lake.  Springfield being so close is a bonus.

    The only negative is like any spot and how previous people leave the camp looking before you are there.  Some garbage in the fire pit and random spots are par for the course in any state park.  Pick up the trash and dump it in the dumpster by the parking lot.  Leave the site better than you found it is our motto.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Coon Creek (IL)
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Coon Creek (IL)

    Unfriendly park attendants

    Check in crabby park attendants. Tried to change to another site that was available, I was told they only check people in and out, that was it! I was told to flag down a Ranger for help. My family will never come here again!

  • Molly B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    Great Community camp not too far off the highway

    My sister and I stopped here on our way to wisconsin, We were surprised how lovely it was! Birds everywhere and the lake was so huge. The camp sites were big and many of them, the bathrooms were always clean and had AC!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Timber Trails Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Timber Trails Campground

    Wonderful layover and family friendly

    Timber Trails Campground is a easy layover off of I-70, offering a family-friendly environment. The park provided us an easy in and out, pull-through site that was level and convenient. The campground had a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Our experience was hassle-free and enjoyable.

  • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Boulder Rec. Area - COE Campground

    A beautiful little spot !

    First off, a bang for you buck compared to some surrounding camp sites. They have PLENTY of sites, most with some view of the water. They have a boat launch, bathrooms, and showers. We stayed here 3 nights. The shores are quite rocky so it can be difficult to access the water just to swim. Overall, it was great. My only complaint is there is only one trash located in the beginning on the park & it was full, full, full!!!

  • S.celeste
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Camp Lakewood

    Very pretty

    Tent campsites are a decent size but still pretty close together, and our site had water and eletric hookup. Cute lake, very family friendly, lots of amenities, amazingly clean.

  • Dawn W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Okaw Valley Kampground
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Okaw Valley Kampground

    Nice clean and convenient

    Family owned with a nice little fishing area (no license required catch and release) paddle boats and camp store. A nice pool with a big covered pavilion, clean restrooms and showers with hot water. We had a level pull thru gravel site with a picnic table and small fire ring and didn’t have to unhook for our overnight. Walking/hiking wooded trails 2 cabins available- several seasonal folks. We were there on a Sunday evening and didn’t really see anyone. Little bit of road noise but so convenient! Thanks Barb!

  • William  Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area
    May. 30, 2024

    Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area

    Wonderful surprise

    Arrived just after a terrible storm so parts of the park were closed for clean up. The parts that were open were all cleaned up, spacious sites, easy access, with fantastic hosts. An absolutely beautiful evening in gorgeous surroundings…we’ll be back and so glad we stumbled upon this place. Didn’t use the showers so can’t report on the facilities….

  • Olivia L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    May. 27, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Great

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  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillbillie Ranch
    May. 18, 2024

    Hillbillie Ranch

    Hillbillie Ranch is not there anymore

    They are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.

  • Brenda W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Lakewood
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Camp Lakewood

    We think this is a nice relaxing place to spend some well deserved time away from home

    Nice friendly clean

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bridgeview park
    Feb. 15, 2024

    Bridgeview park

    Excellent view

    Nice little park, port a potties, water and pavilion with grills and trash receptacles. Great views of the lake. Closes at 10:30

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area
    Feb. 1, 2024

    Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area

    Clean park, cheap prices. Would definitely come back

    The park is reasonable priced, beautiful surrounding and friendly staff. Would definitely come again. The only downside is that it’s somewhat far from supply stores

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Kamper Kompanion RV Park
    Nov. 6, 2023

    Kamper Kompanion RV Park

    Kamper Companion Family Favy

    We really enjoyed Kamper Companion! We stay there every time we pass through Litchfield. Quiet, family friendly, and great for our dogs. We love the dog yard!

  • t
    Camper-submitted photo from UcamP Express RV Park
    Oct. 18, 2023

    UcamP Express RV Park

    Convenient & safe location

    I was passing thru Salem & opted to stay at U camp Express RV Park because it was conveniently located right off Hwy 57. There were other options but they were about 17 miles away. The owners, Bill & Becky, were very hospitable & offered a site for camper- vans that don’t need water/electric hook-ups for $35 and they assured me that it was a safe place to park. In addition, the Park was very neat and “homey” with fall decor and the bathroom was immaculate! All said, it was a good value & I would go back.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Illinois State Fair Campground
    Oct. 17, 2023

    Illinois State Fair Campground

    Large campground, good location, good value

    On the state fairgrounds just off gate 10 or 11. Very large number of spaces…older bathrooms/ showers but very clean. All spaces seem to have electricity and water.



Guide to Hillsboro

Camping near Hillsboro, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Coon Creek (IL), have great fishing spots. One camper mentioned, "The beach for swimming was the kids' favorite part," highlighting the fun for families.
  • Hiking: Trails abound in places like Pere Marquette State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "They have wonderful campgrounds and really great trails," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Swimming: Campgrounds such as Okaw Valley Kampground feature pools and nearby lakes. One review stated, "A nice pool with a big covered pavilion," which is great for cooling off on hot days.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Coon Creek (IL) said, "The bathrooms are smoke-free and clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Sangchris Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are spacious and the campground is quiet," making it ideal for relaxation.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One review from Illini Campground — Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area noted, "Wonderful hosts checked us in," which adds a personal touch to the experience.

What you should know

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Sangchris Lake State Park Campground, are only open from April to January. Make sure to check the dates before planning your trip.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. For instance, Coon Creek (IL) lacks showers, so be prepared for that if you choose to stay there.
  • Bug Spray Recommended: Some campers have noted that certain areas can be buggy. A visitor at Coles Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "Only reason it's 4 stars and not 5 is because it is decently buggy," so pack your insect repellent.

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Okaw Valley Kampground has a "very nice updated playground," which keeps the little ones entertained.
  • Family Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. One family at Double J Campground and RV Park enjoyed, "Three playground areas, a basketball court, sand volleyball, and a pool during summer months."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family. A camper at Coon Creek (IL) appreciated that "pets are allowed," ensuring no one gets left behind.

Tips from RVers

  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. Campers at Casino Queen RV Park noted, "Asphalt level pads with FHU," which makes for a comfortable stay.
  • Easy Check-In: Many RV parks offer straightforward check-in processes. A visitor at Cahokia RV Parque mentioned, "The night check-in board was easy to find," making it hassle-free.
  • Proximity to Attractions: Choose campgrounds close to local attractions. One camper at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park enjoyed being "just a 20min walk to the Gateway Arch," making it easy to explore the area.

Camping near Hillsboro, Illinois, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Hillsboro, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hillsboro, IL is Country Bend Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • What parks are near Hillsboro, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Hillsboro, IL that allow camping, notably Carlyle Lake and Lake Shelbyville.